GiGi's Playhouse Opens in Colorado Springs for Free Programs
News related to:GiGi's Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers · 2 min read
GiGi's Playhouse Colorado Springs, the 64th location in the national network, officially opened its doors on September 26, 2026, bringing free, life-changing educational and therapeutic programs to individuals with Down syndrome in the Pikes Peak region. The grand opening marks a significant milestone for the community, as it fulfills the vision of local parents who came together to create a place where individuals with Down syndrome can be celebrated, challenged, and supported throughout their lives.
The Playhouse, located at 2360 Montebello Square Dr, Suite A, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, offers a wide range of programs for individuals of all ages, from infancy to adulthood. These include early-language development, group social programming, GiGiFIT, GiGi's Kitchen, individualized literacy and math tutoring, and adult career skills. All programs are provided free of charge to families, regardless of income or insurance status, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need.
The journey to opening the Playhouse was a long and determined one. Local families, including Katie Stoddard, whose daughter Margo was born with Down syndrome, and Stephanie Kerscher, a member of the startup committee, worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. Stoddard, who found GiGi's Playhouse online shortly after Margo's birth, discovered that there wasn't a Playhouse near her family. This led to the formation of the Colorado Springs startup team, which was dedicated to creating a community center where individuals with Down syndrome could thrive.
"The Playhouse is a little bit of magic on earth. It's a place where everybody belongs, not only do the kids learn, but the volunteers learn, the parents learn. Everybody that walks through the door takes something with them," said Kerscher. "It isn't just about the individual with Down syndrome. It's about our entire community. With your help, we can make it happen."
GiGi's Playhouse Colorado Springs is part of a growing network of nonprofit organizations that provide free educational, therapeutic, career-development, and social programs for individuals with Down syndrome. The Playhouse aims to change the way the world views Down syndrome and promote a global message of acceptance and inclusion.
The grand opening celebration, open to the public, took place on September 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event welcomed GiGi's Playhouse founder and Chief Belief Officer Nancy Gianni and her daughter, GiGi Gianni, who were on hand to celebrate the milestone and welcome Colorado Springs into the GiGi's Playhouse family.
The Playhouse will serve as a community hub where parents can find encouragement and guidance, siblings can build relationships, volunteers can become advocates, and community members can learn what true acceptance and inclusion look like in practice. It is a place where individuals with Down syndrome can develop relationships, gain practical skills, pursue meaningful careers, and grow into greater independence.
The opening of GiGi's Playhouse Colorado Springs is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering commitment of local parents to create opportunities for their children. As the 64th Playhouse in the national network, it stands as a beacon of hope and support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families in the Pikes Peak region.